A dry, itchy scalp may be the result of improper personal hygiene techniques, or it could be a symptom of a skin condition such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis have additional symptoms that include areas of skin that are red and that have scales. The treatments for these conditions, though, are very similar. Tinea capitis is a yeast infection on the scalp that can cause itching. For scalps that do not have these conditions, home treatments may prove effective in reducing the dryness and itchiness.
Step 1
Select a pH-balanced shampoo and use it when washing your hair. A shampoo that is not pH balanced can remove oils from the scalp, thereby leaving it dry.
Step 2
Use an over-the-counter antihistamine for the itchiness. This will not treat the scalp, but it may relieve the symptoms.
Step 3
Soak the scalp with warm olive oil. Keep the olive oil on the scalp for about 10 minutes, then shampoo your hair.
Step 4
See a dermatologist or physician if the itchiness persists. You may have a condition called tinea capitis, which is also called ringworm. Ringworm is a fungal infection. Your physician or dermatologist may prescribe griseofulvin, which is an oral medication. Take the medication as directed.
Step 5
Follow the directions of a doctor if the condition is suspected to be psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. These treatments may include over-the-counter medicated shampoos that contain salicylic acid, tar or ketoconazole, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other treatments include gel, ointment or foam preparations and mineral oil or oil-based preparations that are applied to the scalp overnight.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not use bar soap to wash the hair. This can cause the scalp to lose moisturizing oils.
- An itchy scalp that is not caused by dryness could be an indication of head lice.
Things You'll Need
- pH-balanced shampoo
- Antihistamine
- Olive oil
